2015 Planning Commission Packets

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Mounds View Planning Commission Regular Meeting October 7, 2015 Page 3 MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Schiligen/Commissioner Rundle. To approve Resolution 1036-15, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Variance to allow a Five -Foot Side Yard Setback for Living Space and Allow an Addition and Garage to Match the Existing House 19.8 Front Foot Setback at 2474 County Road H2; Planning Case No. VR2015-008. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. 6. Other Planning Activity A. Discuss Proposed Code Amendment to Allow Fences Taller Than 4 -Feet in Front Yards of Corner Lots Planning Associate Heller informed the Commission that at the September 2, 2015 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission discussed allowing 6 -foot or 8 -foot fences in the second front yard of corner lots. The Zoning Code currently allows fences up to 4 -feet tall in any part of a property. Fences that are taller than 4 -feet are only allowed behind the front line of the house (the Zoning Code allows fences up to 8 -feet tall). Properties that are on corners have two front yards and therefore are limited in where they can put a taller fence. Property owners want the taller fences for privacy and safety, and the Planning Commission has been very understanding of this and approved every fence height variance request. Commissioners have suggested that the zoning code should be amended to allow for these taller fences since there have been several variance requests for taller fences and they are always approved. Associate Heller explained the Planning Commission agreed that it's time to amend the zoning code to allow for over 4 -foot tall fences on corner lots. The Commission suggested allowing up to a 6 -foot fence in the second front yard of a corner lot with at least a 1 -foot setback on the street frontage side. A fence taller than six feet on a corner lot would still need to go through the variance process. Staff reviewed the proposed code amendment further and requested feedback from the Commission. Commissioner Schiltgen questioned how tall hedges would be handled by the City. Associate Heller explained that staff regularly drives around the City and when hedges were too high at intersections, property owners were asked to trim them down to improve visibility at intersections. Commissioner Love asked how residents would able to locate their property line. Associate Heller stated City staff assist as much as possible with this and can give homeowners j their property dimensions. She stated if the homeowner could not find the property marker pins on their own, a surveyor would need to be hired.